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Strategic Objective 1 - Global Outlook

Aim

To enhance Scotland's global outlook, we will embed
internationalisation and create an environment which encourages
knowledge exchange. We will provide targeted support to our people,
businesses and institutions to help them to seize international
opportunities. We must also understand the impact of our work on
others.

Trade and Investment

The
US is Scotland's largest
market for exports. The
US remains a large,
affluent, open economy with opportunities in both well-established
and new sectors. It is consistently identified as a priority market
for companies already exporting as well as those who aspire to
export. Energy, life sciences, financial services, food and drink,
the creative industries and tourism are among the key sectors where
opportunities exist for Scottish firms. Raising awareness of these
opportunities, especially among
SMEs and high
growth firms, and helping companies to exploit them is the central
responsibility of Scottish Development International (
SDI),
working in partnership with chambers of commerce, business
associations and other relevant organisations in Scotland.
Maintaining and developing transport links between Scotland and the
US in order to sustain
business and other travel is also a priority.

Education

Educational links between Scotland and the
US bring considerable
value: Scottish students can develop the experience and connections
necessary to work in a global environment; and American students
studying in Scotland bring economic, social and cultural benefits.
Exchanges in both directions support academic and business links
between institutions and develop an affinity between the two
countries, which over time can be sustained and developed by a
growing community of alumni. Educational connections are strong,
with opportunities available through many different scholarships
and exchange programmes. It will be necessary to ensure that
existing programmes continue to be used to the best possible
effect. We will work with alumni networks to share their experience
with others and encourage their on-going interest to encourage the
growth of academic, research and other connections.

What is our long-term ambition?

Increase the number of companies, particularly
SMEs,
exporting to the
US.

Develop a self-sustaining network of individuals and
organisations in Scotland to share experience and information
about doing business in the
US, and providing
leadership to others.

Strengthen educational connections between Scotland and the
US at all levels,
particularly the number of students participating in exchange
programmes and their continued engagement as alumni.

Ensure the sustainability of existing air routes and identify
opportunities for increased capacity.